November 2018 Union Farmer by South Dakota Farmers Union

Volume CIII, No. 7

Huron, SD

NOVEMBER 2018

South Dakota

Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Harvest Lunch Photos

Harvest 2018 Recap

Jr. REAL

Convention Call Out

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S.D. Farmers Union Testifies in D.C. for Truthful Labeling of Meat SDFU members testify for truth in meat labeling. Left to right: Karla Hofhenke, Rocky Forman, Eric Sumption and Brett Kenzy.

he U.S. Department of Agriculture is deciding whether or not lab-cultured tissue should be labeled as meat. Many do not support labeling foods produced using animal cell culture technology as meat. And, for good reason, said Eric Sumption, a Frederick cattle producer who traveled to D.C. to testify on behalf of his family’s cow/calf and feedlot operation. “I believe it is wrong to label lab-cultured tissue as meat, because I understand the investment of time and labor that goes

Meat Labeling

South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Maher Ranch Family

South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we highlight the Maher Ranch family. Marcia and Mike Maher are pictured on their Isabel ranch.

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rowing up one of 12 on a ranch north of the South Dakota state line, Mike Maher has many fond memories. “We did have a lot of fun. My brother next to me and I would hop on our horses in the morning and lope eight miles to help our cousins work cattle,” says the third generation Ziebach County

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Maher Family Continued from Page 1 rancher. “We never knew what riding in a saddle was like – dad had the only saddle and we knew better than to touch it. We lived on a river, but none of us knew how to swim because our horses could swim. If we had to cross the river, Dad would always stand on the riverbank to make sure we all got across.” It could have been memories like these that impacted Mike’s decision to follow in his dad’s boots after high school – even though there wasn’t room for him on his family’s ranch. He’s not sure why he chose to be a rancher. But he does know this, “It’s all I’ve ever done. And, I don’t punch a time clock.” His youngest son, Wade, 35, can relate. “I was working as a welder for the mines, managing a bunch of people who did not want to do their job and decided that I needed to get back to the ranch,” explains Wade, who packed up his family and returned to ranch with his parents four years ago. Wade’s parents met at a dance when Mike was working on a ranch near Isabel. Marcia Rost was born and raised on the ranch her grandparents, Freida and Albert Rost, homesteaded around 1910 (although they didn’t file their paperwork until 1917).

And, like Mike, Marcia appreciates ranch life. “I just like the country life. Growing up, I worked outside most of the time. I like the open spaces, the fresh air,” she says, then jokes, “when you don’t smell cow manure.” Marcia explains that after they married, they didn’t plan to return to ranch with her parents, it’s just how things turned out.

“None of my brothers were interested in the place, so we moved up here because Dad needed our help.” Looking back on when he first began working with Marcia’s dad, John, Mike says now that his kids are grown and running cattle with him, he knows how it must have been for John. “It was like how it is with my kids working with me. He wasn’t used to some of the modern stuff. Today, I get something new and I don’t hardly touch it – all the computers and stuff. At the time, I thought he was really old and set in his ways. I look back at it and I am probably that way now,” Mike explains. Mike and Marcia both say that taking over her family’s ranch was a good decision. “We are the third generation to raise livestock here. We have had good years, and a few rough years, but that is the way agriculture is. If we wanted to make lots of money, we could have moved to the city, but really, Mike wouldn’t know what else to do,” says Marcia, who also works as the postmaster in Isabel. When Marcia references tough times,

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Union Farmer she’s not kidding. Throughout the years, the family faced predator issues, which eventually resulted in them deciding to sell their commercial sheep flock. “One year we docked about 1,500 lambs and the coyotes killed 400,” Mike explains. And, before that, there were the years of drought and 18 percent interest that forced them to sell everything, except their land to remain solvent. Mike was 40. Their tenacity to overcome those challenges demonstrates how serious the family takes their role in the ranch’s legacy, explains their oldest son, Ryan. “I guess it has something to do with the fact that we have been raising cattle on this land for more than a century. Out in the cemetery, I have my great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather and grandfather – and that’s just on my granddad’s side,” Ryan says. “From watching my parents, I’ve learned that you stick with something and keep going forward and doing the best you can every day.” Ryan shares a memory of feeding livestock without a tractor the winter after they sold everything. He and his dad attached a grapple hook to an old pickup to feed bales. “We’d drag it to where we wanted it, cut the strings and unroll it by hand. That’s how we fed that one winter,” explains Ryan, adding that he has a strong work ethic thanks to growing up on the ranch. After college, Ryan spent the first few years working as an accountant in Omaha and Denver. Then, he returned to Isabel where he bought a bar and restaurant, started an insurance agency and became involved in government. He serves as the Assistant Majority Leader in the State Senate

Fourth & fifth generation of Mahers. Front row: Brelan, 12; Brady, 10; Jolene & Wade. Back row: Ryan and Ann.

for District 28. Ryan adds that his parents’ faith probably had a bit to do with keeping them going. “They never miss Mass.” Mike adds that it was the faith others had in him and Marcia that helped them build back up. He shares a story about an area rancher who believed in him enough to cosign a loan. “He called me up and said, ‘I bought 200 ewes at Faith. I will either sell them to you for what it cost me, or you can run them on shares.’ So, we went to the bank for a loan for what my share would be, and the banker turned me down. So we went to town, had a drink and discussed it and went back to the bank. My friend sat back down with the banker and said, ‘I suppose you thought you were done with us? This is the way it will be. You borrow him the money and I will cosign the note.’”

Over the years, Ryan says his dad has returned the kindness, helping other young ranchers get started. Nearly three decades later, Mike, Marcia and their three children, Ryan, Ann and Wade have increased the size of the operation significantly – slowly expanding when land comes up for sale. They raise primarily commercial Angus-cross cattle, marketing their steer calves in the fall and keep all replacement heifers. All three children own land and run cattle with their parents. “Ranching is a hard lifestyle, but it’s also rewarding,” explains Ann, who spends the weekdays working as a registered dietitian. She spends off hours helping out on the ranch. “When you are saving babies out in a blizzard, and come fall you are selling them, and see how good they look – even if the markets are not very good, it makes all your work feel worthwhile – like you did something.” She agrees with Ryan, working on her family’s ranch has had a positive impact on her professional career. “It taught me how to work and not to be afraid of long hours. It taught me to take initiative and look for what needs to be done and to appreciate the simple things in life. I enjoy the ranch. I enjoy being outside, working with my horses, dogs and cattle. I enjoy the lifestyle.” For Mike and Marcia, the fact that all three children returned home means a lot. “It’s the fourth generation who is making it work now and that’s a good thing,” Mike says. To view photos of life on the Maher ranch and read other articles about South Dakota family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu. org. ■ by Lura Roti for SDFU

“Ranching is a hard lifestyle, but it’s also rewarding.” – Ann Maher

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into raising cattle. My family and I raise beef cattle from birth through the feedlot. We care for them each and every day until we sell them to be harvested,” Sumption explains. “The term meat is our brand, applied to a product that livestock producers, like me, my father, grandfather and great-grandfather worked for generations to perfect.” Sumption is among four South Dakota Farmers Union members who traveled to D.C. to testify Oct. 24 at the USDA headquarters. “All consumers have the right to know what they are purchasing,” adds Brett Kenzy, a fourth-generation cattle producer who operates a cow/calf herd and feedlot with his brother, George, near Gregory. “My biggest fear is the day that lab-cultured tissue is mixed with fat from cattle raised in the traditional manner and the label on the package reads, “hamburger.” If we don’t maintain truthful labeling, how will consumers know what they are buying?’” Kenzy further explains that identifying a product developed in a petri dish or other media with the same label as livestock – cattle, pork, chicken, turkey, fish – raised and harvested in the traditional way, Brett Kenzy could dissolve trust between consumers and livestock producers. Trust, that has been earned over generations. “I am testifying because I question the integrity of our food labeling system based

on past performance of the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Today, foreign meats are labeled as Products of the U.S.A.,” Kenzy says. “To maintain trust, the definition of meat needs to be restricted to animals that are born, raised and harvested in a traditional manner.”

“The term meat is our brand, applied to a product that livestock producers, like me, my father, grandfather and great-grandfather worked for generations to perfect.” – ERIC SUMPTION The push to label lab-cultured tissue as meat has big money backing it. The reason? Corporations like Tyson Foods and Cargill have millions invested. To date, Tyson Foods invested more than $57 million and Cargill announced $72 million in funding. “By law, agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and Food Safety and Inspection Service have a responsibility to ensure true and accurate labeling of food products,” says Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator, who testified because he understands how crucial accurate labeling is to consumers. His 4-year-old daughter, Mayli, was diagnosed with Celiac disease. “It is my responsibly as her father to protect her. I can only do this if the Food and Drug Administration and Food Safety

and Inspection Service do their job,” Forman says. “Consumers trust that when they buy a product labeled as meat, it has been raised and harvested in the traditional manner – not at a lab in a petri dish or other media.” Karla Hofhenke agrees. “The truth should be in the labeling,” says Hofhenke, who is a fourth-generation South Dakota cattle producer and the Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. Hofhenke traveled to testify on behalf of the more than 17,000 South Dakota farmers, ranchers and their supporters who make up the grassroots organization. “The majority of our family farmers and ranchers raise livestock to be harvested for meat. Labeling animal cell culture products as meat would give the new technology an unfair market advantage, by letting them market on the reputation which producers have spent generations to create.” ■

Share your thoughts with the USDA The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration are hosting a joint public meeting/comment period to discuss the potential hazards, oversight considerations and labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry tissue now until Nov. 26. Readers can leave a comment by visiting this online link: www.regulations.gov/ document?D=FSIS-2018-0036-0001.

Keep Talent Here!

Farmers Union Scholarship Dollars Graduate Students Apply by December 15, 2018 Available! for South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation

$2,500 Graduate Scholarship. Details and Applications can be found at SDFU.org click on the Education tab. 4 NOVEMBER 2018

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The National Education State Directors Meeting was held in Jamestown, North Dakota. Back row: Bri Sorensen (North Dakota), Rachel Haigh-Blume (South Dakota), Tom Driscoll (National Farmers Union), Kirstin Slaughter (Wisconsin) and Miranda Letherman (North Dakota). Bottom row: Emma Lindberg (National Farmers Union), Violet Green (Montana), Jennifer Luitjens (Rocky Mountain Farmers Union), Cathy Statz (Wisconsin) and Glen Schmidt (Minnesota). The education directors meet annually to discuss curriculum, All-States, NYAC and other educational programming.

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December 3-6, 2018 Join us for our third annual Growing for the Future, a FREE online, interactive virtual conference for beginning farmers and ranchers. Featuring Speakers From: USDA Rural Development CHS Foundation Farm Credit Cooperative Netowork Farmer Veteran Coalition Topics Include: Cooperatives Diverse markets Socially disadvantaged farmers Data and technology Climate change The four-day event includes farmer-tofarmer webinars, live Q&A sessions, a discussion board, a resource center, and giveaways and prizes! For more information, visit NFU.org/Growing-for-the-Future

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Around the State With Farmers Union

Read on to learn how South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.

Western Junior

Radio Show

Women in Ag in Deadwood SDFU members Connie Groop & Tammy Basel enjoy the Women In Ag Conference.

Safety Trailer Visits Salem Third Grade Class Tune in to KELO radio (AM 1320, FM 107.9) second Tuesdays of the month at 10 a.m. CST to hear SDFU Radio Hour.

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Union Farmer Get to Know...

Farmers Union Insurance Agents Brad & Carrie Derschan

or nearly 60 years, ranch and rural families around the Lemmon area have come to rely on Carrie “Hulm” Derschan and her family for their insurance needs. And, it doesn’t look like the tradition will end anytime soon. Carrie’s dad, Francis Hulm, started with the agency in 1959. She took over in 2002. In a few months, her adult daughter, Britnai Schoon plans to join the team. And, if 8-year-old granddaughter, Emma, has her way, she will join the family business someday too. “We have a client who has been insured with our family for more than 52 years,” says Carrie’s husband, Brad. A rancher-turned-insurance agent, Brad joined the family

more of an extrovert. Along with insurance, the couple also shares a passion for their rural community. Brad coaches junior high football, serves on the economic development corporation and is an active “It’s nice to know that the member of the Lemmon work we do helps protect Volunteer Fire Department. Carrie serves on the board of our customers’ and their the local nursing home and families’ livelihoods.” is the head of their church – CARRIE DERSCHAN missions team. They also work with committees working to bring new businesses to town and volunteer their time to other civic activities. “If you want to keep something, you got to fight for it. You cannot sit on the sidelines and just say you want it to survive,” Brad explains. “I feel like with rural America, if we are going to save it, we need to be involved. I like what we have here, and I want it to stay here.” To learn more about the Derschans’ agency, or to contact them, visit www.fuiagency.com/agents/carrie-derschan or email them at farmersunionlemmon@hotmail.com or call 605-222-7979. ■

Along with insurance, Farmers Union Insurance Agents Brad & Carrie Derschan are active in the Lemmon community. Together, they helped raise funds for Boss Cowman Square where this photo was taken.

business when their son, Adam, was ready to take over the dayto-day activities of the family’s ranch. “It’s nice to know that the work we do helps protect our customers’ and their families’ livelihoods,” Carrie explains. Although Carrie took over for her dad when he retired, it wasn’t a career move she ever planned on. She never intended to join the family business. However, when computer technology proved intimidating for Francis, in 1998 Carrie agreed to help him through the technology transition. But, he never did acclimate, Carrie explains. “My dad was German and stubborn. He would not learn the computer – wouldn’t even touch it. So, I stayed on.” Although they take the work they do seriously, the couple’s sense of humor helps them get through challenges that may arise when working together day-in and day-out. “Here’s how we make it work,” Brad explains. “I handle all the big stuff and she handles the small stuff. And, you’ll never believe it – in our entire marriage (27 years), we have never had any big stuff.” Carrie adds that their personalities and talents balance each other. For example, Carrie is more detail-orientated and Brad is

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Union Farmer Harvest Lunches Are Good for the Soul

s the old saying goes, the way to a “farmer’s heart is through their belly.” (OK, a little different than the original, but you get the point.) Making sure producers feel appreciated is the goal of South Dakota Farmers Union annual harvest lunch program. It’s one way we can say “thank you” to South Dakota family farmers for what they do to feed the rest of us and care for the land. Farmers are the workforce behind our state’s No. 1 industry. Throughout harvest 2018, SDFU staff delivers hundreds of harvest lunches while drivers are unloading grain at several South Dakota elevators. They also make deliveries to the field. Most of our SDFU team has a farm or ranch background and understand how busy and stressful the harvest season is. And, with prices and weather making harvest 2018 difficult for many, by providing sustenance for the body we hope our lunches can give a boost to the soul. We want our farmers to know how much we value the work that they do, day-in-and-day-out, to feed the world and sustain South Dakota’s rural communities.

Hand County Drive Around

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Jerauld County Drive Around Spink County Drive Around

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Growing Season 2018: What South Dakota Farmers Have to Say

istening to farmers and ranchers from across South Dakota report on growing season 2018 begins to sound like the children’s story, Goldilocks & The Three Bears – Too wet. Too dry. Just right. However, due to input costs, rental rates and low crop and cattle markets, regardless of how Mother Nature treated farmers and ranchers, this harvest, no one gets a happily ever after. “This growing season has a lot of different twists to it,” explains Tabor crop and cattle producer Terry Sestak. “Policy has not been good, as far as helping the ag sector markets.” And at 62, the District 1 Farmers Union board member says although he’s farmed nearly all his life, he’s never seen a growing season quite this wet. “It’s been wet all growing season with really no dry spells to speak of in our area.” Referencing southeast South Dakota,

The 2017 drought forced Scott Kolousek and his dad, Dick, to make some difficult decisions. Last summer they sold 100 cow/calf pairs to conserve forage, and this spring they sold 100 yearlings they had planned to finish. Thankfully, this June it began to rain. Although gentle rains every four days made haying difficult, Kolousek says no one was complaining.

where days of rain delayed planting repeatedly, some fields never were planted and some that Sestak and his neighbors were able to plant ended up getting drowned out. As of Oct. 9, the rain has yet to quit. “I am looking out the window at a field that was preventive planting, that I was going to plant winter wheat into. So, I had it sprayed to kill weeds. Then, a 6-anda-quarter-inch rain the week of Sept. 17 interrupted my plans,” he says. But, Sestak says he remains optimistic that 2019 will be a better year. “Farmers are eternal optimists. It’s good to keep a sense of humor and realize things could be much worse. I’m healthy. I have my family. And, we didn’t receive the type of flooding they got on the coasts. That type of flooding not only destroys crops, but homes and kills livestock.” Craig Schaunaman echoes Sestak’s

comments. “I put a quote on my fridge for my kids, ‘Your day starts with your attitude,’” says the fourth-generation Aberdeen crop producer. “In times like this, it’s challenging to be positive, but you gotta do it. You also have to be a realist and realistic about what is going on out there and deal with it.” This summer, it was drought and markets that tested Schaunaman’s attitude. “By the Fourth of July, we had been in D2 or severe drought for five weeks – and it remained there for most of the growing season,” he says, explaining that from July 18 until Sept. 20 the area went more than 60 days without rain. “Obviously, whenever you get in a drought situation, and you have low commodity prices, it’s like you are getting doubled up on.” But, at 59, 2018 isn’t Schaunaman’s

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“Farmers are eternal optimists. It’s good to keep a sense of humor and realize things could be much worse..” – Terry Sestak

At 59, 2018 isn’t Craig Schaunaman’s first drought and the Aberdeen farmer is determined to stay strong for the next generation. His son, Sam, 22, and nephew, Chad, 46, farm with him and his brother, Kirk.

Even though growing season was too wet for Tabor crop and cattle producer Terry Sestak, he remains optimistic that 2019 will be a better year. “Farmers are eternal optimists. It’s good to keep a sense of humor and realize things could be much worse. I’m healthy. I have my family. And, we didn’t receive the type of flooding they got on the coasts. That type of flooding not only destroys crops, but homes and kills livestock.”

Courtesy Photos

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Jr. REAL Makes Real Difference in Shaping Future Rural Leaders

aulkton, South Dakota, is home to a charming main street, thriving ag community and a known destination for hunters. The high school proudly cheers on their prized Trojans in the school gym. But today, the gym plays host to Wilson Kubwayo and the opening of South Dakota Farmers Union Junior Rural Economics and Leadership (Jr. REAL). Jr. REAL hit the road again this fall crisscrossing the state to visit five South Dakota high schools. Jr. REAL promotes civic responsibility and leadership development to high school students. October’s Jr. REAL stops included Faulkton, Leola/Frederick, Gettysburg, Sully Buttes and Lyman County. Jr. REAL speakers conducted programs ranging from life skills and motivation to credit issues and identity theft. “Some of our rural high schools do not always get the leadership development opportunities our larger schools do,” says Rachael Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director. “Jr. REAL really gives South Dakota Farmers Union a chance to engage with our future leaders and promote an active role in keeping the communities and young people that power our state engaged.” Bailey Hustead is a Faulkton freshman. “When you hear someone’s story about escaping war, you really realize things could be a lot worse,” says Hustead, referencing keynote speaker Wilson Kubwayo’s story of escaping his home country and living in a refugee camp. “I also learned about credit scores and why it’s so important to make good Bailey Hustead financial decisions now.” Faulkton sophomore Turner Bowar adds, “It’s great to do something different in the classroom, to do the activities and hear the personal stories.” The Jr. REAL curriculum taps into what national research indicates. Numerous studies show that today’s youth strongly believe in community involvement, leadership and taking Turner Bowar action to influence social and community outcomes. Faulkton Principal Craig Cassens sees the value in Jr. REAL. “A lot of our students hear similar things in the classroom,” says Cassens. “But to hear it from a different source and relate it to their specific history or experience really helps.” Malcom Chapman understands the impact he makes as a presenter speaking on Craig Cassens leadership. Chapman has participated the last several years of Jr. REAL and continues to engage students for one simple reason, “It’s great for kids to see the diversity of experience from different backgrounds, opinions and ideas. And know that their ideas, opinions and diversity is equally important.” “When you have the ability to see the world from someone

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else’s perspective, you not only open up opportunities for yourself, you gain the vision of how you can make an impact in your own hometown,” says Haigh-Blume. “Focusing on impact and listening is something that can impact our world and community in a big way. Being kind doesn’t take any resources and can

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Malcom Chapman

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Meat Labeling, Premium E30, Climate Change – Join the Conversation During 2018 S.D. Farmers Union Convention

e may not have much control over the current markets. But, as members of South Dakota Farmers Union, we do have a say in policy development that can impact future markets. Join the conversation during the 2018 State S.D. Farmers Union Convention held in Pierre Nov. 29-30. “We’re a grassroots organization, so just like our policy, our convention agenda is also member-driven. We spend a lot of time listening to our members to help determine topics that will be discussed and who will be invited to present,” explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. Timely topics highlighted during convention include: truth in labeling, climate change’s impact on rural America’s economy, mental health issues among agriculture producers and the success story of Glacial Lake’s Energy Cooperative E30 Challenge program. Like so many issues this year, the USDA’s discussion on whether or not to label lab-cultured tissue as “meat” directly impacts many South Dakota producers. In October, Hofhenke traveled to D.C. to testify on behalf of SDFU members, that the organization does not support foods produced using animal cell culture technology as being labeled “meat.” Hofhenke was joined by Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator, and SDFU members Brett Kenzy, a cattle producer from Gregory, and Eric Sumption, a cattle producer from Frederick. When livestock producers make time to lobby on behalf of their industry it is noticed, says Jess Peterson, Senior Policy Adviser for U.S. Cattlemen’s and convention presenter. Jess Peterson “The grassroots message makes a difference when we are battling confusion,” explains Peterson, who is also a Montana cattle rancher. His SDFU convention talk will focus on the battle over fake meat and truth and clarity at the retail counter. He will also discuss price discovery and fundamentals of the marketplace. “South Dakota is playing a key role in an emerging trend that we need to see more of when it comes to fat cattle and marketing of fat cattle,” says Peterson of a topic he will cover in more depth during his convention presentation. Market opportunities will take center stage during Chris Clayton’s talk. The Ag Policy Editor for DTN/ The Progressive Farmer, will visit Chris Clayton about climate change and its impact

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on economic development opportunities in rural America – opportunities like ethanol and wind energy. “In many ways, rural America is the innovative center for renewable energy. We really don’t make that connection between renewable energy and climate change as much as we should,” Clayton says. “It doesn’t make sense to be a strong advocate for ethanol if you don’t think anything should be done for climate change. The whole driver for ethanol is to have a fuel that has lower emissions than petroleum-based fuels.” Clayton began delving into this topic in 2008, when fake news over climate change policy hit rural America. His research eventually led him to write the e-book, Elephant in the Corn Field. “Remember, this was during the Great Recession, and in states like South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa, we didn’t have a recession because our agriculture commodities were suddenly taking off and prices were going up and land values were going up – because of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS),” Clayton explains. “There are still opportunities for farmers to make money using conservation practices.” Along with climate change and renewable energy opportunities, Clayton will also discuss fake news with convention-goers. Ethanol also comes up in Jim Seurer’s presentation that focuses on building local support for consumption of Premium E30. The CEO of Glacial Lakes Energy will share how his cooperative overcame myths and built consumer trust to drive sales Jim Seurer of Premium E30 up 600 percent in Watertown and Aberdeen through a clever consumer education campaign they dubbed the E30 Challenge. “We anticipated where the hurdles were and addressed those issues,” Seurer says. He explains that Glacial Lakes Energy knew in order for drivers to fuel up with Premium E30, they needed consumers to change their fueling habits and dispel any myths about Premium E30. So, the cooperative began by educating those in the know – auto technicians and car dealership employees by launching an aggressive educational initiative. “We are eager to see the success we’ve seen in Watertown and Aberdeen duplicated. We have no secrets,” Seurer says. Policy development and elections Along with policy discussion, during convention, board member elections will also take place for national convention delegates and state board representatives from districts 1, 3, 5 and 7. Remember, delegates need to be registered by 11 a.m. on Nov. 30 to vote. To learn more and to register, visit www.sdfu.org. ■

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SDFU’s Marissa Holinka Recognized with NFU $1,500 Stanley Moore Scholarship

outh Dakota Farmers Union member Marissa Holinka was recently recognized by National Farmers Union with the $1,500 Stanley Moore Scholarship. Actively involved in SDFU youth programming, Holinka served on SDFU Junior Advisory Council and NFU’s National Youth Advisory Council. In 2017, she received her Torchbearer award. “I am thankful for my involvement in SDFU and NFU for the educational experiences, state and national opportunities and lifelong friendships it has given me,” Holinka says. “Farmers Union has played a vital role in developing my leadership skills, character and passions

in life. Progressing through the program has left me with the skills necessary to efficiently perform in a work environment, adopt a philosophy of stewardship, understand the structures of cooperatives, recognize the importance of legislation and the opportunity to develop and maintain contacts throughout the nation.” She currently attends South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and is pursuing a degree in geology. “I aspire to use the skills learned from my experiences with Farmers Union to protect and conserve the resources of rural America for future generations of farmers,” Holinka says. ■ Marissa Holinka

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Union Farmer Jr. REAL presenters and dates: ayo, Wilson Inspiration

Opening Keynote: Wilson Kubw

ons); The Chapman Group (some locati Leadership: Malcom Chapman, ator and Author (some locations) Charlotte Henley, Speaker, Facilit Fiscal Responsibility: Gerri Eide,

GANE Leadership Consulting

Community Service: Toby Kane, October 23, 2018 October 24, 2018 October 29, 2018 October 30, 2018 October 31, 2018

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Goto Communications

S.D. Faulkton High School, Faulkton, . Leola/Frederick School, Leola, S.D rg, S.D. Gettysburg High School, Gettysbu Sully Buttes School, Onida, S.D. Lyman County, Presho, S.D.

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truly change the community you live in. We need to support the youth in rural areas and ensure they understand they can be a hometown hero. You don’t have to move out of the community or state to be a success story. Keeping Rural America thriving is a high priority of SDFU as a whole.” The impact doesn’t end there. Jr. REAL challenges each school to plan and implement their own community-building project. Through this, students strengthen skills that support civic awareness leadership, motivation and economics, all funded by South Dakota Farmers Union educational dollars. Just east of Faulkton stands a grain elevator where internationally known artist Guido van Helten painted massive murals along the elevator sides. The mural celebrates the town’s people, the rural lifestyle and has an economic impact by drawing thousands to Faulkton. It stands as a fitting reminder of the values Jr. REAL and South Dakota promotes to grow. ■ By Toby Kane for SDFU

NOVEMBER 2018

Union Farmer Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

s the seasons change and another harvest is upon us, family farmers and ranchers are yet again staring down a year of significantly depressed prices, which have been compounded by trade disruptions and mishandled biofuel policy. On top of that, the expiration of the 2014 Farm Bill has generated even greater uncertainty in farm country. There has, however, been at least some progress in regards to trade with the introduction of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). There has been some positive news about biofuels as well. The Trump administration said that it will work on allowing year-round use of E15, a move that boasts the benefits of higher-level blends of ethanol. It does not, however, replace the billions of gallons of ethanol demand lost due to waivers handed out by EPA to the oil industry. Farm Bill Expires The 2014 Farm Bill’s Sept. 30 expiration date has come and gone, and neither a replacement bill nor an extension of the previous bill has been approved by Congress, leaving many key programs without funding or authorization. The expiration can be largely attributed to disagreements over funding for conservation, payment limitations for commodity programs, and whether or not to include additional work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Farm Bill Conference Committee—a group of senators and representatives tasked with compromising on differences between the House and Senate bills—says that it squarely focused on getting a bill passed before the end of the calendar year. NFU is optimistic a new farm bill will be passed shortly after the election this month, but the lapse will have notable, short-term impacts on several programs, including three key conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The “lame duck” session between election day and the end of the year is now the best chance for getting a farm bill done. In the meantime, we encourage our members and the public to contact their members of Congress to urge them to get a bill done immediately. Learn more at www.2018FarmBill.org. U.S., Mexico, Canada Announce New Trade Pact Canada agreed to join the trade deal that the United States and Mexico reached on Sept. 30,

NOVEMBER 2018

preserving the three-country format of the original North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). When speaking about the new U.S.-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) at a conference held in the Rose Garden at the White House, President Trump said, “It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our farmers and manufacturers, reduce trade barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three great nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world.” The president went on to say that this agreement was the “most important trade deal” in U.S. history, covering $1.2 trillion in commerce among the three countries. While President Trump and the administration touted major gains in the new pact, most in the agriculture industry were rather mum about the gains. NFU President Roger Johnson noted that Farmers Union is pleased to finally see progress on the trade front, rather than the disputes and trade disruptions that have been occurring over the past year. “The prospects of progress on trade with our two closest trading partners is encouraging,” said Johnson. “While this agreement is certainly no cure-all, it is hopefully a start to repairing our trade relationships around the world, to restoring our reputation as a reliable trading partner.” At the same time, Johnson pointed out the missed opportunity for the administration to bring back country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for beef and pork, a law that 90 percent of Americans support, yet was repealed by Congress because of pressure from Canada and Mexico. Johnson also expressed concern about the inclusion of some aspects of the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) framework, a provision that allows multinational companies to sue governments over their laws. Placing this sort of power in the hands of corporations has, in part, led to more consolidation and less money and power in the hands of family farmers and ranchers. Though the new agreement removes the old NAFTA ISDS text, it does maintain provisions specific to the oil and gas industries. President Trump Announces E15 Waiver At an Oct. 9 rally in Iowa, President Donald Trump announced the administration’s intentions to allow year-round use of E15 gasoline, bringing an end to a current ban on the use of the blend in summer months. In addition, the administration also plans to bring more transparency to the trading of biofuels credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), a win for the oil industry.

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The announcement is expected to bolster support for GOP candidates running for office in states that have been negatively affected by international tariffs. In Iowa, the decision was praised by politicians across the aisle, but some economists question how much it will really help farmers struggling with years of record production and a trade war that has impacted corn and soybean prices. While NFU supports the administration moving toward higher level blends of ethanol, NFU President Roger Johnson said the move “does nothing to address the billions of gallons of ethanol demand that were lost as a result of the EPA’s RFS waiver handouts to oil refiners. . . even with an E15 waiver, family farmers are at a net loss in biofuel demand over the past two years.” Farmers Union Urges Fair and Consistent Application of the Term “Meat” Across the Federal Government As new, alternative “meat” products make their way onto grocery store shelves, NFU is encouraging federal officials to establish a definition for “meat” that fairly and consistently informs consumers about the difference between meat products that come from livestock raised in the traditional manner and alternative proteins that are created in a laboratory. In comments recently submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NFU President Roger Johnson wrote that “because of rapidly evolving technologies such as animal cell culture applications, NFU urges establishment and clarification of the standard of identity for ‘meat’ and related products to prevent mislabeling of food in the marketplace.” NFU believes existing labeling and marketing laws should be consistently enforced, and regulations should be updated to promote fair competition for producers and the health and safety of consumers. Johnson said the topic is also concerning because of extreme consolidation in the beef, pork and poultry industries, which has diminished family farmers’ and ranchers’ market share. “Lab-grown products are likely to be produced by large companies, including the major global meatpackers, exacerbating the anti-competitive practices facing family farmers and ranchers and the rural communities in which they live,” said Johnson. “Fairly and accurately labeling animal cell culture products would provide some protection for family farmers’ and ranchers’ market share.” ■ Current as of Oct. 16

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Union Farmer From the President....

Prime Rib from a Petri Dish???

he U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently deciding whether or not to allow lab-cultured protein to be labeled as meat. “Really?” you may ask. “This could mean that I could buy a product labeled as hamburger or steak at the grocery store and it could actually be tissue created in a lab from animal cells?” YES! If this idea grosses you out, or if you believe foods produced using animal cell culture technology derived from cells grown in a petri dish or other media should not be allowed to draw upon U.S. livestock producers’ reputations for producing safe, nutritious and high-quality meat – then PLEASE SPEAK UP! Visit this link: www.regulations.gov/ document?D=FSIS-2018-0036-0001 and let the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hear your thoughts. The comment period is open until Nov. 26. This deadline brings to mind an American holiday with meat at the center of the dinner table – Thanksgiving. Just think, if we don’t convince the USDA for fair and honest food labeling, next year’s Thanksgiving turkey may have never gobbled. We could be sharing a meal of lab-cultured goo disguised as a turkey drumstick. All consumers have the right to know what they are purchasing and eating.

Doug Sombke

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Union Farmer

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 9 times per calendar year, with issues printed in February, March/April, May, June, July/August, September, October, November and December/January. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D.

SDFU President

And, South Dakota’s more than 15,000 livestock producers should not have to give up their market-share to a lab-cultured product, that is labeled as meat. The definition of “meat” should be restricted to the tissue or flesh of animals that have been raised and harvested in the traditional manner. We believe this so strongly that we’re going to D.C. to testify before the USDA. As a grassroots organization that represents 17,000 family farmers and ranchers, many of whom raise livestock, South Dakota Farmers Union sees this as our duty. We testified Oct. 24. To follow our journey, visit our South Dakota Farmers Union Facebook page. The truth is in the labeling.

Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design

All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Rocky Forman...............ext 117 Member Services Coordinator Huron

Rachel Haigh-Blume.... ext. 125 Education Director Tulare

Kecia Beranek.............. ext. 113 Communications Specialist Miller

Pam Evenson................ ext. 116 Membership Specialist Doland

Luanne Thompson.......ext. 111 Administrative Assistant Virgil

Karon Rembold.............ext 111 Receptionist Miller

Doug Sombke President SDFU

As of Oct. 30, we have not heard from our Congressional leadership as it concerns this topic. Please make time to email or call them. Let them know that animal cell culture technology derived from cells grown in a petri dish or other media should not be allowed to draw upon U.S. livestock producers’ reputations for producing safe, nutritious and high-quality meat.

Take ! n o i t Ac

South Dakota

Here’s how to reach them: Sen. John Thune Phone: 202-224-2321 Email: www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact Sen. Mike Rounds Phone: 202-224-5842 Email: www.rounds.senate.gov/contact/email-mike Rep. Kristi Noem Phone: 202-225-2801 Email: www.noem.house.gov/index.cfm/email-kristi

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Kayla Stevens.................. ext. 118 Controller Miller

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Terry Sestak.............. District I Tabor Lisa Snedeker........... District II Woonsocket Gail Temple............. District III Clark

Contact NFU

Joel Keierleber........District IV Colome Dallis Basel...............District V Union Center Lynn Frey.................District VI Lemmon Chad Johnson........District VII Groton

National Farmers Union 20 F Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001

Roger Johnson, President ~ Patty Edelburg, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

NOVEMBER 2018

Union Farmer Growing Season Continued from Page 10 first drought and he is determined to stay strong for the next generation. His son, Sam, 22, and nephew, Chad, 46, farm with him and his brother, Kirk. “Sam has gone through some high prices and awfully good crops. Even some of our agronomists and seed salesmen, who are in their 20s, have never seen it not rain,” Schaunaman says. “So, I try to explain that although we are getting kicked in the shins on this one, it could be worse.” Schaunaman adds that compared to other severe droughts he has experienced, because of advancements in seed technology and adoption of no-till practices, the yield impact was not as bad as he has seen it. “You can certainly see the no-till advantage when you run into weather conditions like we have. And, better fertility, weed control and genetics mean crops are not out there competing,” says Schaunaman, who is estimating the drought reduced the farm’s yields by at least 30 percent.

NOVEMBER 2018

In 2017, no-till practices helped Wessington Springs cattle rancher Scott Kolousek harvest a corn silage crop that didn’t receive rain until August. “The corn was no-tilled into wheat stubble and cover crop residue. It got waist high and quit growing, but it stayed alive. Then the first of August it started raining and it took off again. We had average corn last year.” In comparison, a field nearby was planted into soybean stubble that had been strip-tilled and the corn was dead by July 4. The 2017 drought forced Kolousek and his dad, Dick, to make some difficult decisions. Last summer they sold 100 cow/ calf pairs to conserve forage, and this spring they sold 100 yearlings they had planned to finish. Thankfully, fellow Farmers Union member, Salem farmer Jim Wahle donated his CRP acres to the Kolouseks to bale, so they had enough feed to get through the winter. “We were still really dry this spring. The April blizzard dumped 2 feet of wet snow and it all soaked into the ground.

Union Farmer

There was no runoff.” Then, this June it began to rain. “I’d say we had an average amount of rainfall this growing season, and good timing of rainfall,” Kolousek says. Although gentle rains every four days made haying difficult, Kolousek says no one was complaining. “We have an overabundance of feed now. Our first cutting of alfalfa produced three-times what it did last year. We put up more bales per acre than we ever had. It was amazing,” Kolousek says. But, even though Mother Nature favored central South Dakota this growing season, just like Sestak and Shaunaman, Kolousek says he won’t see a profit this fall. “Compared to last year, it is easy to sleep at night because I know the cows will get fed. But, when you’re not making any money, it is still hard to sleep at night,” he explains. “Calf prices are OK. Crop prices are terrible and lease rates and input costs won’t come down.” ■ by Lura Roti for SDFU

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Union Farmer THANK YOU SDFU SDFU, Thanks so much for the terrific scrapbook you guys made for us—that was so thoughtful! It will always remind us of the 2018 Fly-In and the lawmakers, staff and ag leaders we met with, friends made, and amazing experiences. We also appreciate you choosing us to represent S.D. as the 2017-2018 FUE couple. We

found the training outstanding and anticipate using it in many future endeavors. We only began our SDFU membership in 2013 but it seems more than 5 years with all we’ve experienced and learned with SDFU. Thanks again for everything! Jeff & Rachel Kippley

4 Ways to Connect With Us! SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org Like us for updates, photos, news, and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-Farmers-Union277721538812/ Follow us for the latest legislative updates and news. https://twitter.com/sdfarmersunion

Farmers Union signs available Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. Available for a limited time, the sign makes a fun addition to the farm driveway, the side of a barn or even a statement piece in the house. The cost per sign is $10 or free with a 5-year or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, contact Membership Specialist Pam Evenson at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at PEvenson@sdfu. org.

COOK’S CORNER

NOVEMBER 2018 13-14 State Board Meeting, Huron 15

Livestock Development Summit, Brookings KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls

22-23 State Office Closed, Huron

Dallis Basel, Union Center, S.D.

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SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies 1 ¾ c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 ¼ c. brown sugar, packed ½ c. granulated sugar 1 c. butter, softened 2 lg. eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 2 ½ c. quick oatmeal 2 c. chocolate chips 1 c. walnuts, optional

View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Beat brown sugar, butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually beat flour mixture into sugar mixture. Stir in oats, chips and nuts; mix well. Let dough chill for a few hours in the refrigerator. Bake at 375 degrees F for 9-10 minutes for a chewy cookie or for 10 -12 minutes for a crisp cookie.

Union Farmer

29-30 State Convention, Pierre DECEMBER 2018 3-5

Beginning Farmer & Rancher Virtual Online Conference

6-7

CHS Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota

KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls

24-26 State Office Closed, Huron JANUARY 2019 9-10

Rural Economic and Leadership Development Program, Huron

11-12 Young Producers, Deadwood 13-17 National Farmers Union Women’s Conference, San Diego, California

NOVEMBER 2018

Aberdeen Aberdeen Bison Bison Britton Brookings Brookings Brookings Buffalo Clark Doland Doland Faulkton Groton Huron Irene Irene Kadoka

Darrel Kessler J.R. Johnson Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Dawn Melius J.R. Johnson Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders

229-3945 725-3003 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 725-3003 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144

Lemmon Marion Menno Mitchell Piedmont Pierre Rapid City Rapid City Rapid City Sioux Falls Sisseton Spearfish Sturgis Watertown Webster Webster Winner Yankton

Carrie Derschan Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Sabers Agency Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

374-3462 941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 737-0463 224-4123 342-5555 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121